Kolkata gangrape: NCW writes to Mamata, demands strict action

Kolkata, Jan 1: The National Women's Commission on Wednesday wrote to West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee, demanding strict action against the accused in the Oct 25 gangrape case. The 16-year-old victim succumbed to injuries after she set herself ablaze on Dec 23.

Massive protests have erupted in the city.The Left political parties are now carrying out a protest march with the victim's body. The victim's body was taken to CITU office in the city after the cops released the body from the hospital.

CPM leader Mohd Salim hit out at the Kolkata police and accused them of conspiracy. Reportedly, the police had refused to hand over the body to the family of the girl. The teenager was gangraped on October 25. Al though she survived the rape, she and her family were taunted and traumatized by the accused and the society.

The family shifted to another place near the airport after the incident, but there was no respite. Unable to bear the humiliation and threats,the teenager finally set herself ablaze on herself on December 23. She was admitted to the hospital with 40% burns and finally succumbed on Tuesday afternoon.

Soon after the news broke, various Left political parties, trade unionists and social workers gathered around the hospital. The victim's family alleged that medical negligence caused her death. The girl's father had lodged a complaint against West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee, who handles the health portfolio.